Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron wedding photos: Joanna and Sam laugh together beside a clipped hedge at the bayside clubhouse, St Kilda
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Real wedding · St Kilda, Melbourne

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Wedding Photos: Joanna & Sam

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron · St Kilda VIC · Melbourne

Waterside Wedding · Region: VIC - St Kilda · City: Melbourne · Venue: Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron

Balloons on the rooftop, a veil that would not stay down in the sea breeze, and kitesurfers skimming the bay behind a kiss on the sand. Joanna and Sam’s Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron wedding put a summer ceremony on the clubhouse roof in St Kilda, then moved everyone into the Harbour Room for speeches, a pink sky over the marina and a dance floor lit in blue. We were right there with them, and we loved every minute.

The gallery
Wedding invitation in silver script on black card with a ring and a white rose bud, Joanna and Sam's names in curling letters
Four white rose buttonholes, a ring box and two chronograph watches laid out on a timber table for the groom
Polished tan leather lace-up shoes on a pale timber bench in the groom's hotel room
Navy suit jacket with a white pocket square hanging on a dark cut-metal wall sculpture
Sam knots his navy tie in a crisp white shirt, framed through dark glass doors in his hotel room
Sam in his navy suit stands with a hand on his hip beneath black pendant lamps by sheer curtains
Close portrait of Sam in his navy suit and tie, glancing aside in soft window light
Sam stands in his suit beneath pendant lamps against a bright curtained window, in black and white
Sam in a dark hotel corridor beside a glowing neon script sign, in black and white
Sam smiles in a red lit hotel corridor beside the glowing neon script on the wall
Sam and his groomsmen chat on the rooftop terrace at QT Melbourne with city towers behind
Sam stands between his two groomsmen in navy suits on the hotel rooftop, CBD towers behind
Sam leans in to talk with his groomsmen around a tall black table on the sunny hotel rooftop
Sam and his groomsmen sit on black bar stools around a high table, Melbourne skyscrapers rising behind
Sam with an arm around a groomsman, both grinning beside the rooftop garden beds
Sam laughs as a groomsman pats his chest during a playful moment on the rooftop terrace
Sam laughs and raises one finger while telling a story, a groomsman beaming beside him
Sam and a groomsman with styled hair smile side by side on the rooftop with city towers behind
Sam and his groomsmen at a high table seen through the window glass, city skyline behind, in black and white
The lace wedding gown hangs from a glass balustrade above a timber staircase at the bride's home
Floral lace appliqué on the wedding gown glows against white window shutters
Blush patent pointed heels side by side on a white tulle veil
Pink, red and white rose bouquet beside a perfume bottle, drop earrings and the engagement ring in a red box
White rose corsages and buttonholes packed in a clear-lidded florist box on a marble table
Family relax on a long grey couch in the living room while a guest sits cross-legged on the rug
Joanna in a lace-trimmed white robe has her makeup done on a kitchen stool
A loved one in a white blouse smiles at her phone while two bridesmaids in blush robes wait by the wall
Three women look through a bright doorway while a bridesmaid in a blush robe watches from the side
An older loved one fastens her earring in a round mirror as a man in a striped shirt looks on
Joanna and her bridesmaids in blush and white robes clink glasses of white wine on the couch
Joanna laughs with her bridesmaids on the grey couch, wine glasses raised in their lace-trimmed robes
Joanna shares a laugh with a bridesmaid in a blush robe, both holding glasses of white wine
Joanna throws her head back laughing between her bridesmaids, bouquets wrapped in white tissue in front
Joanna and her two bridesmaids smile from the couch behind three boxed bouquets of pink and white roses
Boxed bouquets of white dahlias with pink and red roses wrapped in tissue on a timber and marble table
Etched Bride and Bridesmaid wine glasses of white wine lined up in front of the boxed bouquets
A little girl in a sparkly tulle dress sits on the grey couch with her knees tucked up
A boy in big sunglasses lounges on the couch beside a little girl in a white tulle dress
Her two bridesmaids in white dresses fasten the back of Joanna's lace gown in the bedroom
Close detail of Joanna's lace and tulle gown as she smooths the skirt with one hand
Joanna smiles over her shoulder as a bridesmaid fastens her lace gown by the white shutters
Joanna steadies herself on her bridesmaids' arms as they straighten the tulle hem of her gown
Joanna beams as a bridesmaid in a white slip dress adjusts the skirt of her lace gown
A blush patent heel peeks from beneath the lace and tulle hem of the wedding gown
Joanna sits on the bed in her lace gown while a bridesmaid lifts the veil to pin it
A bridesmaid settles the veil over Joanna's shoulders as she sits smiling on the bed
Joanna grins up at a bridesmaid arranging her veil beside the white plantation shutters
A bridesmaid holding a hand fan and her dad in a silver tie smile as they see Joanna in her gown
An older loved one in a printed top, both bridesmaids and her dad smile across the bedroom at Joanna
Joanna glances down at her rings as she sits on the bed in her veil and lace gown
Joanna smiles over her shoulder, the veil falling over the lace back of her gown
Joanna looks down with a soft smile, sheer veil draped over the open lace back of her gown
Joanna sits on the edge of the bed laughing, her long veil and tulle train spread across the floor
Joanna smiles at the camera over her shoulder, seated on the bed in her lace gown and veil
Joanna sits quietly on the bed in her veil, seen through the bedroom doorway in black and white
A guest in a straw hat and pink bow tie straightens her dad's silver tie
The guest in the pink bow tie laughs with an arm around an older loved one in a sheer printed top
Joanna glances back at a bridesmaid as she walks down the timber staircase in her gown
A bridesmaid carries Joanna's veil as they come down the narrow timber staircase
Joanna fastens a white rose wrist corsage on an older loved one in navy and pearls
Joanna kisses the cheek of a loved one in glasses and a sheer printed top wearing a rose corsage
Joanna fastens a white rose wrist corsage on a loved one in a silver scarf and black lace dress
Joanna kisses a loved one in a silver scarf and black sequined lace on the cheek
Joanna laughs as a bridesmaid hugs her shoulder while she holds a buttonhole, the other bridesmaid smiling behind
Joanna pins a buttonhole on her laughing dad in his grey suit as family look on
A loved one films Joanna pinning her dad's buttonhole, the moment glowing on her phone screen
Joanna stands arm in arm with her dad in a grey suit and a loved one in a sheer printed top
Joanna laughs between her dad and a loved one in a grey and white printed top in the living room
Her dad covers his mouth with emotion as Joanna and a loved one in pearls laugh beside him
Joanna laughs as her dad holds her hand to his lips, a loved one beaming at her side
Joanna and a loved one in a sheer floral top share a smile and a hand squeeze while her dad looks on
Joanna with her bouquet on the back lawn beside her dad, a loved one and an older woman in navy and pearls
Joanna smiles between her dad and two loved ones in front of an olive tree in the back garden
Joanna holds her pink and white rose bouquet beside an older loved one in navy and pearls
Joanna and an older loved one in navy share a smile in front of the leafy garden hedge
Joanna with her two bridesmaids in white dresses, each holding pink and white rose bouquets
Joanna and her bridesmaids smile at each other over their bouquets of white and pink roses
Joanna laughs with her bridesmaids, bouquets of pink, red and white roses held in front
Joanna laughs as her bridesmaids walk with her across the back lawn, dresses swinging
A bridesmaid puckers up for a kiss as Joanna grins, both holding pink and white bouquets
Joanna and her dark haired bridesmaid laugh together beside the olive tree with their bouquets
Joanna and her blonde bridesmaid share a look in front of a black laser cut garden screen
Joanna and her blonde bridesmaid smile side by side with rose bouquets on the back lawn
Seven men in sunglasses line up on a sunny front path, one in a navy suit at the end
A loved one in black lace and a white scarf stands with a man in a black suit between two motorbikes
Joanna sits on a white motorbike in the driveway, her two bridesmaids standing beside her with bouquets
Joanna sits alone on a pale blue couch with her bouquet, the tulle train spread along the cushions
Joanna gazes towards the window light, her rose bouquet resting in her lap on the couch
Joanna sits on the couch with her long tulle train fanned across the floor, in black and white
Kitesurfers' kites over the bayside beach in St Kilda, with palms and city towers along the shore
White balloon arch over the aisle on the rooftop ceremony deck at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, the marina and bay behind
Black welcome sign in white script on an easel under wire pendant lights at the waterfront clubhouse
Guests gather on the green turf of the Harbour Room rooftop, a man holding a little boy in a waistcoat
Sam shakes hands with a guest in a pale blue suit on the waterside rooftop in St Kilda, palms behind
Sam in sunglasses hugs a guest at the railing above St Kilda Beach as two women in floral dresses smile
Guests in the front row on the rooftop lawn, two little boys in waistcoats sitting on laps
Guests take their seats on the rooftop lawn under tall palms for a sunny ceremony above the bay in St Kilda
Sam waits under the balloon arch with his groomsmen, St Kilda Pier and the marina on the bay behind
Guests stand along the aisle of the bayside rooftop ceremony as the bridal party gets ready
A bridesmaid in a white off-shoulder dress walks across the rooftop turf at RMYS with her bouquet
The blonde bridesmaid waits with her pink and white bouquet, hair lifting in the sea breeze off the bay
Guests line the white aisle runner as the bridesmaids walk in at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay
Sam beams at the front beside his groomsmen and the balloon arch, the city skyline hazy across the bay
Joanna's veil streams out in the breeze as her dad and a loved one walk her past the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron clubhouse
Her dad and a loved one in a floral top walk Joanna out to her waterfront ceremony, her veil flying high
Sam and his groomsmen wait with the celebrant at the railing above the St Kilda foreshore road
Guests turn as her dad and a loved one lead Joanna down the white aisle at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
Joanna's veil billows as she hugs a white haired guest in the front row of the waterfront ceremony
Joanna smiles down the aisle between her dad in a lavender bow tie and a loved one in a sheer floral top
Sam shakes her dad's hand at the front as Joanna arrives with a loved one at the end of the aisle
Sam takes Joanna's hands under the balloon arch on the RMYS rooftop, the bay glittering behind
Joanna touches Sam's cheek under the white balloon arch as the bridesmaids and groomsmen look on, the marina behind
Guests stand and film on their phones beneath tall palms on the Harbour Room rooftop
Guests shade their eyes in the bright sun at the waterside ceremony, a little girl in a red hat on a lap
A curly haired little boy looks back over a loved one's shoulder beside the bridesmaids' white dresses
Joanna smiles beside Sam under the balloon arch at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda, with the bay behind
A guest in sunglasses watches from the rows on the rooftop lawn as the ceremony is filmed behind him
Joanna's dad watches the ceremony from the front row in his grey suit and lavender bow tie
A guest in a black dress shades her eyes from the sun at the bayside rooftop ceremony in St Kilda
A loved one in a sheer floral top smiles in the front row beside Joanna's dad
An older loved one with silver hair, pearls and a navy dress watches the vows on the Harbour Room rooftop
A loved one in a white scarf and sunglasses holds a curly haired boy in a waistcoat on her lap above the bay
Joanna gazes up at Sam with a wide smile, her bridesmaids and the white balloons behind them on the RMYS rooftop in St Kilda
Her two bridesmaids hold pink and white rose bouquets at the railing, dresses rippling in the sea breeze
Guests stand on the rooftop lawn under tall palms in St Kilda, the round white signing table ready at the side
Joanna and Sam hold hands under the balloon arch on the Harbour Room rooftop as the sun blazes over the bay
Joanna's veil sails out sideways in the breeze as she smiles up at Sam beneath the cloud of white balloons
Seated guests in sunglasses and a straw hat watch the waterside ceremony at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, palms behind
Guests stand behind the rows on the sunny rooftop turf, one holding a blue lace fan
A smiling guest in a navy suit and pocket square sits among the rows at the waterside rooftop ceremony
A guest in a pink dress cools herself with a blue lace fan at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
His two groomsmen in navy suits stand with hands clasped at the white railing, the city skyline hazy behind
Joanna smiles in profile beside Sam and his groomsmen under the balloon arch on the Harbour Room rooftop
Sam smiles down at Joanna under the white balloons as her veil falls over the lace back of her gown
An older loved one in black, a seated guest in red and a man holding a toddler on the St Kilda rooftop
Guests stand along the back of the rows at the waterfront ceremony, Port Phillip Bay stretching out behind them
Guests watch from the railing with palms and an apartment tower behind, a red fan in one man's hand
Guests in sunglasses stand smiling beneath tall palms on the bayside rooftop in St Kilda
Her bridesmaids smile at the railing as the breeze catches Joanna's veil, St Kilda Pier stretching across the water
The celebrant holds the microphone as Joanna and Sam clasp hands under the balloon arch, the bay glittering beyond
The bridesmaids smile as Joanna beams at Sam at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay, her veil lifting
Guests clap in the sunny rows, a woman in a red silk top beside a man in a straw hat and pink bow tie
Guests stand in the sun under tall palms on the waterside rooftop at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
Guests laugh along in the rows, a loved one in a silver scarf smiling behind a little boy on a lap
Seated guests raise their phones to film the vows at RMYS, a curly haired boy perched on a loved one's lap
A guest in a straw hat and pink bow tie snaps a selfie beside a man in sunglasses in the ceremony rows
A guest in sunglasses steps away from the arch as Joanna and Sam face the celebrant, St Kilda Beach behind
Sam slides the ring onto Joanna's finger beneath white balloons, a sprig of pink roses above them
Guests at the waterfront railing look on, Port Phillip Bay and the long pier glinting behind them
A line of guests in summer dresses and suits watches from the rooftop turf beside the speaker stand
Joanna and Sam kiss under the balloon arch on the Harbour Room rooftop as their bridal party claps
A guest in a pale grey suit grins as the rows clap and cheer for the newlyweds
A loved one in a white scarf lifts a little boy's arms in a cheer at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
Guests in sunglasses and a pink fascinator applaud from the rows, palms lining the foreshore behind
A loved one in a white scarf claps a little boy's hands together as guests cheer at the waterside ceremony
Sam shakes hands with a guest in a grey suit and sunglasses as everyone rises after the ceremony by the water
Joanna signs the paperwork at a round white table beside her rose bouquet on the Harbour Room rooftop
Sam signs inside a burgundy folder as Joanna squints in the sun beside him, her hair blowing in the breeze
Her blonde bridesmaid gathers Joanna's flying veil at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron railing, city towers along the waterfront behind
A loved one in a mint cardigan and turquoise beads signs at the round table as the veil trails on the turf
A guest in a black suit signs on the rooftop of Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda, as a woman in mint looks on
Joanna rests her ringed hand over Sam's on the signed certificate, a silver pen and roses beside them
Joanna and Sam beam from the signing table with St Kilda Beach and the city skyline stretching out behind
Joanna and Sam sit at the round signing table with two smiling loved ones standing behind them
Sam kisses Joanna at the signing table as the bridal party smiles, the marina and beach below the RMYS rooftop
Guests stand and clap on the sunny rooftop turf in St Kilda, a little girl in a white tulle dress among them
A guest in a grey suit grins on his way up the aisle as guests clap along the bayside railing
Joanna and Sam walk back up the aisle hand in hand at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay, her veil flying
Joanna laughs as she and Sam stride down the white aisle runner together, her hair whipping in the St Kilda sea breeze
Sam kisses Joanna's forehead on the open deck of the Harbour Room rooftop, her long veil trailing, in black and white
Joanna and Sam hold hands on the rooftop turf in St Kilda as guests gather behind to congratulate them
A guest in a white shirt wraps Joanna in a big hug at the railing, St Kilda Pier stretching over the water
Joanna laughs with a guest in a teal dress, bouquet in hand and veil drifting at the waterside railing
Guests in burgundy and navy chat at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda, the pier and its pavilion out on the bay
Guests mingle with glasses of bubbles on the rooftop after the ceremony, moored boats dotting the bay behind
Sam shakes hands with an older guest in sunglasses at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, the pier reaching across the bay
A guest in a navy suit hugs Joanna under her veil as a blonde guest in sunglasses smiles beside them above the marina
The whole crowd gathers around Joanna and Sam for a group shot on the Harbour Room rooftop, the pier and bay behind
Every guest throws their arms in the air around the newlyweds for a cheering group shot above the water in St Kilda
Joanna and Sam stand with the celebrant in her black dress at the railing of Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay
Joanna and Sam with her dad, a loved one in a floral top and two older loved ones at the bayside railing
Joanna and Sam with her dad, an older loved one in navy and pearls and a woman in a white scarf on the RMYS rooftop
Joanna and Sam hold hands between an older loved one in a white scarf and an older man with a white beard by the water
A big family group with little ones in waistcoats and pink tulle lines up with the couple on the Harbour Room rooftop
Her dad and a loved one in a floral top beam at Joanna as a guest with red wine hugs Sam in St Kilda
Joanna and Sam with her dad and loved ones at the railing above the water, St Kilda Pier faint on the horizon
Joanna and Sam with an older loved one with white hair, pearls and a dark dress at the railing over the bay
Joanna and Sam with a loved one in a black fascinator and another in teal with a pink fascinator on the waterfront rooftop
Sam and his groomsmen stand by a white SUV beneath the big lettering on the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron clubhouse
Sam and his groomsmen in navy suits relax beside the white SUV in front of the pale clubhouse windows
Sam smiles down at Joanna and her bouquet against the RMYS clubhouse's pale render and a dark green hedge
Joanna and Sam laugh together by the clipped hedge of the bayside clubhouse, her tulle train spread across the path
Joanna and Sam smile side by side under a tall clubhouse window, her pink and white roses held low
Joanna laughs up at Sam as he grins down at her, her rose bouquet tied with white ribbon
Close portrait of Joanna beaming up at Sam beside the hedge of the waterside clubhouse, roses between them
The bridal party lines up along the hedge beneath the tall pale walls of Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
Joanna and Sam stand in a row with his groomsmen and her bridesmaids against the pale clubhouse wall
Joanna and Sam kiss as his groomsmen wave and her bridesmaids raise their bouquets high in the air
Sam waves as he leads Joanna across the sand in St Kilda, the bridal party and pier behind them
Joanna and Sam kiss on St Kilda Beach as kitesurfers' kites hang in the sky over the bay
Sam grins as Joanna leans in on the sand, her hair lifting in the wind and kites flying above the waterfront
Joanna and Sam walk hand in hand along the shoreline in St Kilda, smiling straight at the camera
Joanna and Sam swap smiles as they stroll along the beach by the bay, her bouquet swinging at her side
The bridal party throws their arms and bouquets in the air on the sand, a kite drifting overhead
Joanna lifts her bouquet and Sam gives a thumbs up as the bridal party celebrates on St Kilda Beach
Joanna and Sam kiss in the middle of their bridal party on the sand while a kite soars over the bay
The bridal party walks arm in arm across the sand, laughing, with tall palms and dark leafy trees along the St Kilda foreshore
Joanna and Sam laugh arm in arm with his groomsman and her bridesmaid as they stride along the bayside beach
The bridal party walks six abreast along the St Kilda shoreline, arms linked and dresses swinging in the breeze
Sam steals a kiss from Joanna as they walk arm in arm with their bridal party by the water
Joanna laughs as she walks across the sand with Sam and her bridesmaids, the bay sparkling behind
The blonde bridesmaid grins over her shoulder as Joanna and Sam walk hand in hand along the waterfront sand
Joanna stands arm in arm with Sam and his groomsmen on the sand, St Kilda Pier stretching across the bay
Sam and his groomsmen lift Joanna sideways in their arms, all of them laughing on the beach in St Kilda
The boys swing Joanna up in her gown as her tulle skirt flutters out over the sand, kites far out on the bay
Joanna and Sam kiss as they stroll along St Kilda Beach, a bright teal kite curling overhead
Joanna and Sam lean in for a kiss at a railing above the water, kites dotting the sky over the bay
Joanna gazes up at Sam at the waterside railing as a kitesurfer skims the bay under a teal kite
Joanna and Sam walk off along the shoreline hand in hand, kites flying above the long beach in St Kilda
Joanna and Sam stroll hand in hand across the lawn in front of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron clubhouse
Tall palms and a stone column across the road in St Kilda, seen through the clubhouse's dark window frame
White balloons with red blooms rise behind the bridal table, the marina masts showing through the bay windows
Black seating chart in white script on an easel against striped curtains in the Harbour Room
A tiered tower of cheese wheels dressed with figs, grapes and pink roses on a white wire table at the bayside reception
Clear card box full of envelopes, pink blooms and greenery on a glossy table at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
A black napkin and heart card on a white plate beside a favour box and name card at the waterfront reception
Black favour box printed in gold script with the couple's names, a name card and a heart card at each seat
Long floral centrepiece of pink blooms, roses and ferns along the bridal table at the St Kilda reception
A loved one in a sheer floral top hugs an older loved one on the balcony at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay
Three loved ones smile arm in arm on the balcony, kitesurfers out on the bay and the marina behind them
An older loved one in a white scarf and black lace cuddles a woman in a blush scarf on the Harbour Room balcony
A guest in burgundy lace, an older loved one in black and a woman in navy pose at the waterside balcony rail
A man and a woman each hold a little boy on the balcony of Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda, moored boats behind
A man holds a toddler and a woman in a blush scarf holds a boy in a waistcoat on the bayside balcony
A man in a red tie smiles with two women in a black and white print and red silk at their Harbour Room table
A guest in a red tie and a woman in a black and white print dress lean in together at the bayside reception
Four women smile from their table at the RMYS reception, the bay and city towers framed in the windows behind
A guest in a white shirt and pink bow tie pulls a playful face at his table, a straw hat beside his plate
A guest in a checked cuff shirt hugs a smiling woman in burgundy at their table during the reception
Two guests in white shirts grin side by side at the dinner table, one giving a thumbs up
Guests smile at a long table in the Harbour Room, a curly haired little boy in a waistcoat sitting on a man's lap
A woman in a pink scarf with a jewelled band grins beside a baby eating bread in a high chair at the bayside reception
A girl in a sparkly tiara and a boy with his head on the table pull faces with a man in a white shirt
A woman in burgundy lace hugs a little boy in a waistcoat and grey bow tie at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
An older man with a white rose buttonhole and a woman in a silver scarf and black lace sit close at the St Kilda reception
Two young men in white and pale blue shirts, one in a navy tie and one in maroon, grin at their table by the water
A bald man in a dark tie and a woman in a pink floral dress lean together for a portrait at the RMYS reception
Two men in white shirts, one in a black tie and one in a checked tie, smile at their table
A woman in blue lace watches a toddler in a high chair tap at a phone during the St Kilda wedding dinner
A father, mother and small boy in a white shirt smile at their table, the green marble bar of the Harbour Room behind
Two women in dark floral dresses smile at their table in front of white wire bar tables
A man in a pink bow tie and a woman in a draped navy dress smile as a waiter carries wine behind them
A family of five squeezes in at their table by the curtained windows above the bay, a little girl with a pink bow in front
A woman in pink and a man in a pink checked tie smile by a window at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay
A woman in navy and a curly haired man in a purple tie lean in together at the bayside dinner in St Kilda
A man in a checked tie and a woman in an emerald satin dress smile cheek to cheek among the tables
Three friends in green, black and a black tie squeeze together laughing at their table at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
A woman in black laughs and holds up a pink and white sweet as a man in a black tie leans in beside her
A man in a black tie sits with a girl in a white hair bow and a boy building with toy bricks
A man in a slim black tie and a woman in a teal patterned maxi dress stand by the white balloons in St Kilda
A woman in black lace and a silver haired man smile at a window over the beach and Port Phillip Bay
A woman in pearls and glasses sits with a man with a grey goatee and striped tie beside a window above the bay
A man in a royal blue shirt and patterned tie sits with a woman in black floral lace and red lipstick
A young woman in a leopard print dress hugs an older woman in a turquoise ruffled top inside the RMYS clubhouse
A woman with short blonde hair in black floral and a man in a striped shirt smile together at the waterfront wedding
A grey haired man in a pink shirt and a woman with a satin ruffle neckline smile together in St Kilda
A woman in a pale pink top and a man in a lilac shirt and plaid tie lean together at a Harbour Room table
A man in a pink shirt and maroon tie laughs with a woman in a black patterned dress, the bay bright in the windows
A woman in a black slip dress and a man in a pink checked shirt pose by table five at the bayside wedding
A man in a pink checked shirt and an older man in white laugh arm in arm at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
A smiling man in a white shirt and a woman with red curls in a grey and white print top sit against white panelling
A woman in a black and white striped top hugs a man in a grey paisley tie at the waterside reception
A young woman in green polka dots and a woman with short silver hair in a green halter top grin together in St Kilda
An older man and woman in green sit before the beach and city skyline at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay
Two young women, one in an orange dress and one in black, lean their heads together at the waterfront reception
A bald man in a patterned shirt and a woman in a beaded silver fringed dress pose at their table
Three women, one in red and two in grey and black scarves, smile at their table at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
A red bearded man and a woman in glasses and a floral top smile by the DJ booth at the bayside reception
A man in an olive tweed suit speaks into the microphone before the white balloons and the bridal table above the bay
Joanna's dad and a loved one in a white and sage top wave as they walk in through the Harbour Room doors
An older woman with silver hair in a navy dress dances across the timber floor past the marble bar in St Kilda
An older man waves as he and a woman in a silver scarf and black sequins walk in hand in hand to the waterside reception
Guests at long tables under a starry ceiling watch a man speak by the balloon backdrop in the RMYS reception room
Guests at a long table burst out laughing, the DJ set up in the corner
A bald man in a grey tie doubles over laughing at a long table of guests in St Kilda
One of his groomsmen and the blonde bridesmaid dance in through the Harbour Room doors, her bouquet held high
His bearded groomsman and the dark haired bridesmaid walk in hand in hand across the timber floor of the waterfront room
A man in a tweed suit with a clipboard and microphone calls out to guests clapping under the fairy light ceiling in St Kilda
Guests at long tables beneath the big windows at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, a baby in a high chair in front
An older woman in a silver scarf and black sequins smiles at her table during dinner by the water in St Kilda
Guests stand and clap as the bridal party reaches the balloon backdrop at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
Joanna and Sam dance in hand in hand past the DJ, her bouquet raised high, at their waterside reception
Sam leads Joanna across the timber floor of the Harbour Room, white wire bar tables either side
Sam throws out an arm as he and Joanna make their grand entrance into their St Kilda waterfront reception
Joanna's lace back and Sam's navy suit head for the balloons as guests applaud on both sides
Joanna's dad in his lavender bow tie claps as guests rise and film from their tables above the bay
Sam, Joanna and the bridal party sit under white balloons at the bridal table, the St Kilda Harbour marina behind
Guests turn in their seats to watch the speeches, the bay glittering in the windows behind them
A man in a tweed suit speaks before the bridal table at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay, guests watching
An older woman in pearls waves a white hand fan as her table laughs through the speeches in St Kilda
Women at a table laugh and wave napkins during the speeches, the bay and city skyline in the window
The men at the bridal table laugh as a man in a tweed suit speaks at RMYS
Guests in white shirts and green check smile along a long table beside a window onto the trees
A man in a striped shirt waves as a long table of guests laughs in the room over the marina
A woman in white covers her mouth laughing as a man films the speeches on his phone in the Harbour Room
A long table of guests laughs at a speech, one man filming on his phone, at the bayside dinner in St Kilda
Guests at a long table turn and smile towards the speeches against white panelled walls
Women in grey and black scarves smile along a long table as a waiter brings wine at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
A red bearded man holds a red fan as his table smiles, a pram parked by the DJ at the waterside reception
A man rubs his face laughing between a bald guest and a woman in white lace during the speeches in St Kilda
An older woman in a navy dress and pearls laughs as women around her wave fans through the speeches by the water
The bridal party claps from the bridal table under white balloons, the pier stretching into Port Phillip Bay behind
A man in a tweed suit raises an arm mid speech as the bridal table laughs beside the windows over the bay
Guests clap at long tables across the room at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, the DJ booth at the far end
A man in a pink tie throws his head back laughing at a table with the water and a boat out on the bay behind
A man with a clipboard reads to the room as guests laugh at their tables in the Harbour Room
Two women clap and wave a red hand fan, the marble bar and balcony doors behind them in St Kilda
A man in a tweed suit gives a thumbs up beside the bridal table at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay
A woman in a black top and a bald man in a black tie sit close together at the reception above the marina
A bald man in a black tie and a man in a checked shirt hug and grin at their table in St Kilda
A woman in silver lace and a bearded man in a white shirt sit at table seven at the RMYS reception
A man in a pink tie and a woman in a pink top pose at their table at the reception by the water
A woman in pale blue lace and a man in a blue tie lean cheek to cheek at the St Kilda reception
Sam stands behind his two groomsmen at the bridal table under the white balloons in the Harbour Room
Joanna stands behind her two bridesmaids in white under the balloon backdrop at their waterside wedding
Three men in white shirts and a dark jacket sit at their table against white panelling
Both bridesmaids pose with friends by the balcony doors at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay, the marina outside
The bridesmaids and friends pull pouting faces by the balcony doors, palms outside on the St Kilda waterfront
A man in a dark suit leans over to shake a guest's hand, the bridal table and the bay behind
Guests throw their hands in the air and cheer along a long table during the speeches
A man in a tweed suit speaks to the bridal table as Joanna and Sam smile at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
The speaker points to the ceiling as the bridal party listens under the balloons above the bay
Joanna laughs as Sam gestures at the bridal table, a groomsman grinning beside them in St Kilda
The bridal party laughs and claps at the speaker's joke under the white balloons at RMYS
Guests laugh at a speech, an older woman in pearls and a little girl in pink among them, at the bayside reception
A little girl in pink claps along with an older woman in a silver scarf during the speeches in St Kilda
The dark haired bridesmaid fans herself with a black floral fan beside the blonde bridesmaid at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
Both bridesmaids laugh at the bridal table as Joanna leans in smiling beside Sam
Sam and his groomsmen roar with laughter at the bridal table, Joanna smiling beside them
Two groomsmen and Sam laugh at the bridal table during the speeches in the Harbour Room
A little girl in pink gives a thumbs up beside an older woman in a silver scarf at the St Kilda reception
Joanna's dad reads his speech from a sheet of paper, microphone in hand, against sheer curtains above the bay
Joanna glances at Sam as the bridal table listens to her dad's speech at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
Guests listen to the speech, a woman in glasses holding her hand to her mouth, at the waterside reception in St Kilda
Joanna dabs a tear with a tissue during her dad's speech as Sam and her bridesmaids look on
Joanna's dad gives his speech beside the bridal table and white balloons in the Harbour Room
Joanna hugs her dad at the bridal table after his speech as guests watch at the waterfront reception
Joanna's dad turns to Sam with Joanna between them after the speech at the bayside reception in St Kilda
Sam holds his notes as he and Joanna stand to speak, his groomsmen grinning at the RMYS bridal table
A man in a tweed suit gestures to a full room of guests under the fairy light ceiling in St Kilda
A woman laughs into her hands beside a boy in a white shirt, the DJ booth lit up behind, at the waterside reception
A little girl in pink reaches for a baby in a bow tie on the lap of a woman in a pale pink scarf
Sam speaks into the microphone with Joanna smiling beside him at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
Joanna looks up at Sam as he reads his speech from a folded note above the bay
Sam holds the microphone and his notes as Joanna smiles softly behind him at their waterfront reception
Joanna smiles beside Sam as he speaks at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
Guests laugh at Sam's speech, an older woman in pearls at the centre of the table
His groomsmen listen at the bridal table as a bridesmaid films the speech on her phone
Joanna laughs as Sam speaks and the groomsmen clap and cheer at the bridal table
Sam and Joanna stand to speak before the bridal table as guests at table three look on
A speaker in a dark suit takes the microphone beside the bridal table and white balloons in the Harbour Room
A tall guest in a brown suit stands to listen at his table, the balcony and the bay beyond the windows
Four guests smile at a candlelit table with pink roses as the speeches roll on
A guest with a straw hat in his lap sits beside a video camera on a tripod at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
Guests laugh along to the speeches at their tables, a white haired guest in green at the front
Older guests in black and floral prints laugh at the speeches in front of sheer curtains
A whole table of guests in white shirts and black dresses cracks up during the speeches at RMYS
The dark haired bridesmaid wipes away a tear with her phone in hand at the bridal table by the water
Both groomsmen laugh at the bridal table under the white balloons as a bridesmaid films the speeches on her phone
A loved one in a silver scarf and black sequins smiles beside a guest in pale pink at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
A blonde guest in blue lace smiles over her shoulder from the long table at the waterfront reception
A guest in a grey patterned scarf holds a baby boy in a waistcoat and bow tie on her lap in St Kilda
Joanna holds the microphone and her notes as Sam claps beside her by the white balloons at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
A guest rests his chin in his hand as an older loved one in navy and pearls listens to the speeches
A loved one in a white floral top gives a big thumbs up to the speeches at the St Kilda reception
Sam raises a red drink with the microphone in hand at RMYS, Joanna smiling beside him as a groomsman sips water
Joanna throws her head back laughing at the bayside bridal table between Sam and her bridesmaids
Joanna, Sam and the bridal party dance in a line across the timber floor in St Kilda
The bridal party dances in a line past the marble bar of the Harbour Room, Joanna holding up her skirt
Joanna lifts her skirt to dance beside Sam as a guest in a grey suit links hands with a groomsman by the water
Guests stand and film on their phones as the bridal party dances at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron under fairy lights
Seen from behind, Joanna dances in a line with her bridesmaids and groomsmen across the waterfront reception room
Joanna laughs as she dances beside Sam, palms and the balcony railing outside the windows
Joanna beams up at Sam as they dance at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda, a bridesmaid in white just behind
A loved one in a white floral top dances hand in hand with a guest in a white shirt at the bayside party
Three guests in black, pink and white dance past the green marble bar
A bald guest in a black tie laughs mid dance beside a blonde guest in blue lace, the balcony and marina beyond the windows
A guest kicks up his heel by the marble bar at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay, the water filling the windows
Sam dances with an older loved one in navy and pearls as Joanna smiles beside them at the waterside reception
The older loved one in navy and pearls laughs hand in hand with Sam on the dance floor in St Kilda
Both bridesmaids squeeze in with two guests in black and pink at RMYS, the bay at dusk through the window
A little girl in pink tulle dances with a guest in a grey green scarf and rose print dress by the water
The little girl in pink holds both hands of the guest in the grey green scarf as they dance
Both groomsmen share a laugh with two guests in white and black shirts at the edge of the Harbour Room dance floor
Guests dance hand in hand in a circle past the marble bar, the marina beyond the windows
A loved one in a white floral top leads the circle dance with guests in black lace and white shirts in St Kilda
A guest in a white shirt dances hand in hand with a guest in a zebra print dress beside a white wire bar table
Both groomsmen laugh with two guests on the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron balcony under a pink sky, one in leopard print
Joanna stands between her bridesmaids at the balcony railing, moored dinghies in the marina below a pink sunset sky
Joanna and her bridesmaids lean together at the railing with St Kilda Pier stretching out under a pink sky
Her bridesmaids kiss Joanna on both cheeks at the balcony railing, the bay glowing pink at sunset
The bridal party lines up along the balcony railing at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay as the sky turns pink
Joanna and Sam pose with a guest in a tan suit on the balcony, pink clouds over the waterfront in St Kilda
Joanna throws her arms up laughing as Sam and a guest in a tan suit wave above the boats of St Kilda Harbour
Joanna stands with two guests in burgundy at the railing, one holding a little girl in white tulle, the bayside marina behind
Joanna holds a little girl and Sam a little boy in a chambray shirt on the balcony at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
Joanna and Sam with a silver haired guest and a guest in black lace on the balcony above the marina at sunset
Sam kisses Joanna's temple at the balcony railing, St Kilda Pier and its lamps reaching out into a pink sunset
Joanna and Sam with a silver haired guest in a pale pink shirt and a guest in black, lilac clouds over the waterside balcony
Joanna and Sam hold hands with the blonde bridesmaid and a guest in a white shirt above St Kilda Harbour at dusk
The blonde bridesmaid and a guest in a white shirt pose at the railing by the water, pier lamps and a pink sky behind
Sam and Joanna stand with two guests in black dresses and scarves as dusk settles over Port Phillip Bay
Sam stands with a loved one in a silver scarf and black sequins, lights twinkling across the bay at dusk in St Kilda
Both bridesmaids sit at the bridal table under white balloons in the Harbour Room as two guests in green stop to chat
Dinner is served under a ceiling of fairy lights at the waterside reception, guests sharing plates around their tables
Joanna dances with a loved one in a white shirt under blue lights on the dance floor in St Kilda
Joanna smiles at the loved one in the white shirt as they dance in pink and blue light at RMYS
The dark haired bridesmaid cheers and films on her phone as guests gather at the edge of the bayside dance floor
Joanna spins hand in hand with an older guest in a white shirt through haze and teal light
Sam dances with the older loved one in navy and pearls across the timber floor by the water
Joanna dances with the loved one in the white shirt beside the green marble fireplace in the Harbour Room
Sam leads a loved one in a silver scarf onto the dance floor at the waterfront reception, a little girl holding her hand
Guests in green, black and leaf prints dance with little girls in pink and white in St Kilda
The loved one in the silver scarf claps along as Sam dances beside her at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
A guest in a cream scarf and navy dress dances with a little girl in pink as the floor fills around them
A little girl in a white tulle dress spins with a guest in a teal and orange leaf print dress in St Kilda
Guests throw their arms up on the dance floor at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda, one in a green tartan top
Joanna, the lace back of her gown to the camera, hugs a guest in a beaded silver dress by the water
A guest in a mint cardigan dances hand in hand with a little boy in polka dots and a little girl
Two guests chat by the dark windows at RMYS, one in a pale blue shirt holding a drink
A toddler in pale blue dances in the middle of the floor as grown ups dance around him at the waterside reception
Joanna holds hands with a little girl in white tulle as the loved one in the white shirt grins beside them in St Kilda
Guests dance by the Harbour Room lettering on the glass doors, the blonde bridesmaid in white among them
A guest in a pink shirt raises his glass mid dance with two guests in a white shirt and zebra print by the marina
Joanna dances with a little girl as the blonde bridesmaid and a guest in a white shirt dance nearby in St Kilda
The dark haired bridesmaid hugs two guests in a green tartan top and a black dress at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
A guest in a beaded fringe dress dances between two guests in burgundy by the marble fireplace at the waterfront reception
Joanna twirls a little girl in pink tulle as a guest films from beside the window in St Kilda
The loved one in the white shirt gives two thumbs up on the Harbour Room dance floor under green and blue lights
A guest in burgundy hugs a laughing little girl with a white bow on the bayside dance floor
Guests dance past the seating chart in St Kilda, one in a beaded fringe dress with Joanna just behind
A little boy in a waistcoat and bow tie dances with his hands on his head as guests clap around him at RMYS
A silver haired guest in a pink shirt and a guest in black cuddle up on the dance floor by the water
Guests with drinks in hand fill the hazy dance floor, one in blue lace and one in pink
A guest in a white satin wrap dress dances with a guest in a grey tie at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
A guest in a white shirt twirls a little girl in pink tulle beside the marble fireplace and the DJ booth at the waterside party
The older loved one in navy and pearls dances hand in hand with two guests in St Kilda
Five guests in white shirts, zebra print and white satin hug together on the dance floor at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
The older loved one in navy and pearls dances with two guests as a little boy takes photos with a camera by the bay
An older guest in a black pinstripe shirt holds a blond toddler in a pale blue shirt
Joanna laughs at a table at RMYS as a bearded guest pulls a pink fluffy favour from a gift bag
Joanna leans down to chat with a bald guest in a white patterned shirt at his table at the waterfront reception
Sam leans over to hug a seated bearded guest at his table in St Kilda
Joanna and Sam hold hands with two bearded guests in a white shirt and a dark suit at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda
Joanna and Sam pose with five guests, one in a pale pink jacket and one in a tiered pink dress, at the bayside reception
Joanna and Sam stop to chat with an older guest in a pale grey scarf and a guest in a black jacket by the water
A bearded groomsman with a glass of wine chats with a bald guest in a white shirt at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
Sam stands with a blonde guest in a black dress and a guest in a check blazer at the St Kilda reception
Joanna and Sam dance close by the marble fireplace at RMYS, his hand holding hers to his chest
Joanna and Sam slow dance in blue haze by the DJ booth at the waterside reception
Joanna and Sam dance on their own across the timber floor under blue and green lights
Joanna and Sam dance through the haze in the Harbour Room, green lights glowing by the DJ booth
Joanna and Sam hold each other close in pink and blue haze as the DJ plays on
Joanna smiles over Sam's shoulder as they dance under blue lights in St Kilda
The wedding story

Our Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron wedding photos: a veil in the sea breeze, kites over the beach and a pink sky above the marina

Getting ready at QT Melbourne and at home · Rooftop ceremony under a balloon arch · Family groups above the pier · Portraits on St Kilda Beach · Speeches in the Harbour Room · Sunset balcony and dancing

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Neon and a city rooftop

Sam’s morning started in the city at QT Melbourne, and the hotel gave us two very different looks within a few steps. In a dark corridor we stood him beside a glowing neon script on the wall and let everything else fall away to black, a frame that sings in black and white. Then we took the boys up to the rooftop terrace, where Sam told a story with one finger raised and a friend cracked up with the CBD towers lined up behind them. Busy city backgrounds work for groom photos when we keep the people close, sharp and laughing.

Robes, wine and lace

Across town, Joanna’s place was relaxed: family stretched out on a grey couch in front of the balcony doors, someone cross-legged on the rug, nobody in a hurry. Joanna and her girls laughed together in blush and white robes with glasses of white wine in hand, and we kept the big window beside them so the light wrapped softly around their faces. When the gown came out we went in close on the lace and tulle, because fine textures like that read best in soft, even daylight from a large window rather than under any lamp.

Bow ties and a back lawn

As the dress went on the room got louder. A bridesmaid tucked and fastened while Joanna laughed over her shoulder, and nearby a guest in a straw hat and pink bow tie straightened an older loved one’s tie. A family member waited in the doorway with a hand fan, a hint of the warm afternoon outside. Then everyone spilled onto the back lawn: Joanna with her pink and white roses among loved ones, then between her two bridesmaids in floaty white dresses, before one quiet minute on the couch in the window light.

Balloons on the rooftop

At the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, Sam and the boys lined up under the big lettering on the clubhouse front before heading up to the roof, where guests were greeting each other on the green turf with St Kilda Beach glittering below. A cloud of white balloons framed the ceremony spot against the bay. It was a bright, warm afternoon, so the rows were all sunglasses and hand fans, and a little boy in a waistcoat watched everything from a lap. On a rooftop with no shade we keep the sun behind our couples where we can, so nobody squints.

Her dad and a sea breeze

Joanna came onto the rooftop on her dad’s arm, with a loved one in a grey and white floral dress on her other side, and the breeze off the bay lifted her veil straight up behind her. We love wind like that for a processional: it puts movement into every frame without anyone trying. The bridesmaids’ white dresses rippled as they took their places, there was a quick hug for a front-row guest, and Sam shook Joanna’s dad’s hand at the front. Then the two of them stood under the balloon arch with the water behind them.

Signing above the pier

Joanna and Sam signed at a little round white table with the beach and the city skyline behind them, and the guests clapped and cheered as they stood. Out on the open deck beside the ceremony we caught a kiss on its own, a frame we kept in black and white. Then came the hugs, rows of them, with St Kilda Pier stretching out over the water behind every embrace. For family groups we used the railing on the bay side, so each line of loved ones had the water and the pier at their backs.

Kites over St Kilda Beach

For portraits we started close, against the clubhouse’s pale render and a dark green hedge, then walked the bridal party down to the sand. Kitesurfers were out in force, bright kites hanging over the bay, so we got low and framed Joanna and Sam’s kiss with them in the sky. The bridesmaids kicked up their heels, everyone walked arm in arm along the beach, and a last kiss at a railing above the water came with a kite right on cue. This is the joy of Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron wedding photos: the beach is a short walk away.

Speeches in the Harbour Room

Inside the Harbour Room, the white balloons had moved in behind the bridal table and a clear card box full of flowers sat waiting for wishes. We went table to table for guest portraits while the room was still full of daylight from the big bay windows. Joanna and Sam danced their way in past the DJ, arms in the air, and the speeches began soon after. One speaker had the bridal table in fits, the bridesmaids laughing behind their hands, and when Sam took the microphone Joanna watched him with a wide smile.

Pink sky and blue lights

Then the sky over the marina turned pink. We took Joanna out to the balcony, where her bridesmaids kissed her on both cheeks with the pier and the moored boats glowing behind, and families took turns at the railing while the colour lasted. Sunset light like that gives you ten or fifteen minutes, so we keep a balcony plan ready during dinner. Back inside, the dance floor filled fast: Joanna danced with an older loved one, Sam twirled another, a little girl was swept up in a hug, and the night closed with the two of them dancing in blue haze.

Photographer's venue notes

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda: a hot rooftop ceremony, kites on the beach and a pink sunset

Read the venue notes

Roof, sand, room and balcony

Joanna and Sam used every level of the club. The ceremony happened on the rooftop turf under a cloud of white balloons, with family groups lined up along the bay-side railing straight afterwards. Downstairs, we started portraits by the clipped hedge and pale walls of the clubhouse before walking the bridal party onto St Kilda Beach. Then it was into the Harbour Room for the grand entrance, speeches and dancing, with a quick trip onto the balcony when the sky changed colour.

A bright, breezy summer afternoon

This was a proper summer day: strong sun overhead, sunglasses and hand fans in every row, and a steady breeze off the water. That breeze was our friend, because it lifted Joanna’s veil high during the processional and sent it sailing sideways under the balloons without anyone having to toss it. The hard light made the bay sparkle behind the arch, a backdrop that only gets better in full sun. By the end of the speeches the light had softened and the marina had turned pink.

Where the frames came from

Kites were the gift of the day. Kitesurfers were out over the bay, so on the sand we waited for a kite to drift into the gap above the couple before asking for the kiss. The railing above the water gave a second kite frame and a place to lean. Back at the clubhouse, the dark hedge against pale render made a calm spot for close portraits. Inside, the big bay windows behind the guest tables kept the table portraits fresh and full of daylight.

Tips for a summer day on the bay

For a sunny rooftop ceremony, have hand fans and water ready for guests; the rows here were full of fans and sunglasses, and they kept everyone smiling. Let your bridal party walk the beach in shoes they do not mind getting sandy, because that is where the fun really came out, lifts and all. And when the sky starts to colour after the speeches, step out with your bridesmaids and families in quick turns, because the pink over the marina does not wait for anyone.

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